Mel Weiser, playwright, novelist, theater producer and director, and nine-year resident of Oakwood in Sun Lakes, has just published his fourth book, On 174th Street: The World of Willie Mittleman, available on Amazon.com and Kindle. His previously-published books include The Trespasser (Avon Books), Within the Web (Dell), and Nick Nolte – Caught in the Act (Momentum Books), which won the Irwin Award as “The Best Celebrity Book of 1999” from the Book Publicists of Southern California.

On 174th Street presents the enduring hope and fortitude with which American families faced the catastrophic years of the Great Depression (1930’s). Through the funny and touching exploits of little Willie Mittleman and the rest of the Mittleman clan living in the Bronx, New York, readers experience the love, fears, laughter and tears that make up the indomitable spirit of America. The book has received five-star rave reviews by Amazon.com readers. One reviewer described On 174th Street as “A wonderful, sweet account of a time when members of extended families lived together in small apartments, when shopkeepers knew and cared about the families that shopped in their stores, when school was respected and a marvelous place full of the secrets of the universe, and where young boys (and young girls) had the time to discover who they were. I loved the moments I spent with this family.”

In addition to writing books, Mr. Weiser co-wrote the play A Tiny Piece of Land (with Joni Browne-Walders), which was recently produced at the little theatre at Phoenix Theatre, the Pico Playhouse in Los Angeles and at TEATRON Theatre in Toronto. His drama Cry, Tiger was optioned for a Broadway production in 2009. In addition, he has written many plays for high school and community theatre productions, which have been produced world-wide. Weiser has directed over 40 plays, from Broadway through regional and dinner theatres, including many productions in the Phoenix area. He is a member of Dramatists Guild and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

When he’s not glued to his desk working on new material, Weiser and his wife can be found working out or swimming in the pool at the IronOaks gym. “I love living here,” says the author, who was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. “My wife and I are so happy to be part of such a beautiful community.”

For further information contact J.B. Walders, Publicist at [email protected]; Arigam Publications, P.O. Box 12209, Chandler, Arizona 85248; phone 602-334-8571.